A reawakening! Is Bessbrook set for a boom?
Plus, plans for 248 new homes in Portadown; algae alarm in Lough Neagh; 500 jobs on firing block in Lurgan!
In terms of investment – £60million being pumped into Bessbrook can only be a good thing. The small model village has been crying out for an injection of something for decades. A large portion of former Bessbrook Mill, turned army barracks, has stood empty – barring local business, L Connell Flooring – for the best part of 20 years, like a ghostly reminder of the past; its ruins a reflection of the “legacy piecemeal and disjointed approach to the development of Bessbrook”. It’s the village time forgot!
The departure of the military in the early 2000’s was not followed – as had been anticipated at the time by the long-suffering villagers – by a redevelopment dividend. The village tells a story of industry – of community spirit – but spirits have been dampened over time as hopes of any injection of money faded for the residents, and key stakeholders, of this once booming quaker village.
However, will the redevelopment of the Mill bring about much-needed change? Will this private investment herald a new dawn – a reawakening of Bessbrook? Firstly, plans have to be passed; surely there won’t be anyone standing in the way? Tell us your thoughts on the plans.
Headlines
🏗️ A £60 million plan to redevelop the former Bessbrook Mill site and one-time army base into a mix of housing, retail and office accommodation has been lodged this week.
🗞️ The head of the PSNI says the force is aware of claims made by dissident republicans that they are in possession data accidentally leaked earlier this week. To date, PSNI have received over 600 referrals from staff affected by the breach.
🚶♂️A Crossmaglen man, who is walking the length of Ireland in memory of his late father, is also raising money for the Southern Area Hospice in the process. This is how much his dad meant to him and his family.
🏠 A Co Armagh housing developer has announced plans for 248 new homes to add to its Bracken development, off Lisnisky Lane, in Portadown.
🗞️ Think layers of blue-green algae is overwhelming the shoreline of Lough Neagh in recent days. Council are hoping for a change in wind direction or weather change..
🏥 Over 350 patients required a change to their treatment after a review in the wake of concerns raised over the “clinical practice” of a retired consultant urologist.
🚛 Up to 500 jobs could be lost with the potential closure of the Morgan McLernon premises in Lurgan. The Culina Group, of which it is a subsidiary, said a “proposal has been put forward to close the Morgan McLernon site in Lurgan”.
Other headlines….
⚖️ Man accused of attempting to rob Portadown chemist to face Crown Court
🗞️ 40 years and counting: Midwife Phil celebrates four decades of service to Southern Trust
⚖️ Teacher returned for trial over alleged sexual relationship with pupil
⚽ ‘Exciting times’ as Lurgan GAA club score approval for multi-use youth training facility
🚜 Joy as tractor stolen in Collone is recovered but concerns over ‘staggering rise’ in rural crime
⏰ Armagh Jobs: Five minutes with…Eve Anderson of Dentistry@Markethill
📌 JJ Taylor & Co Solicitors require Legal Secretaries / Office Staff
📌 Floorform Group require a Purchasing Administrator
📌 Mamo Building Services require a Store Person
📌 Atlas For Industry require a Machine Operator
For more jobs, visit www.armaghjobs.com
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This plan to reverse the ravages of time on such an incredible village comes as very good news. My great grandmother, Martha Sarah Rogers, was born in Bessbrook in 1856 and I will be visiting Bessbrook in mid October 2023 specifically to see this village. I'm sad to see the images of the poor state of the village but would love to return someday once the renovations are complete. I'm in my late 60s so please keep the pressure on to save this town!
£60 Million as an investment will be only into the Developers pocket. The proposed redevelopment of the Mill on the outskirts of Bessbrook will avail of the villages diminishing services, sewage systems, scarce school places and increase the pollution and dramatically increase amount of car traffic along the villages small roads. "Mixed housing" which will no doubt have very few if any affordable properties available to the local residents who will no doubt be priced out akin to the new housing estates in Newry who are being filled up with residents who are not from the locality